The Federal Government, in an effort to underscore its commitment in reduction of maternal and child mortality rate in the country yesterday flagged off phase 1 field ambulances distribution to 16 states.
Three of each out of the 48 ambulances donated by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social development with support and funding of the MDGs Office will be distributed to Kebbi, Yobe, Admawa, Kastina, Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi, Anambra, A/Ibom, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Edo, Abia, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti.
It is also expected that the field ambulances, which were fully equipped with essential medical items would help move the country closer to attainment of the millennium development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 by 2015.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony and unveiling of midwives service scheme bill board towards reduction of maternal and child mortality in Abuja, the First Lady Dame patience Goodluck Jonathan, advocated for the provision of free health care services for women in all the health institutions and abolition of user fees across the country.